CoinHood

2012 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® Goes on Sale May 21

Pulaski — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:34:07 +0000

WASHINGTON – Collectors may begin ordering the 2012 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set on May 21 at noon Eastern Time. The set includes two folders, each containing 14 coins from the United States Mint facilities at Denver and Philadelphia, for a total of 28 coins.

The set includes:

* America the Beautiful Quarters^® coins honoring El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico), Chaco Culture National Historical Park (New Mexico), Acadia National Park (Maine), Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii) and Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
* Presidential $1 Coins honoring Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland (first and second terms) and Benjamin Harrison
* Native American $1 Coins
* Kennedy half-dollars
* Roosevelt dimes
* Jefferson 5-cent coins
* Lincoln one-cent coins

A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each set, which is priced at $27.95. Orders will be accepted at the bureau’s online catalog, http://www/usmint.gov/catalog, or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). All domestic orders will be assessed a shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order.

Customers may also purchase the United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set through the bureau’s Online Subscription Program. For more information about this convenient ordering method, please visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of May 21, 2012, at noon ET, shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

For information about the United States Mint, please visit http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/.
To subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, visit http://www.usmint.gov/email/?action=newsletters.
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United States Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing Team up in Veteran Hiring Effort

Pulaski — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:33:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Mint (Mint) and Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) have launched a joint initiative to assist service members transitioning to civilian life by providing career counseling and information on job opportunities with the nation’s manufacturers of currency and coin.

For 220 years at the Mint and 150 years at the BEP, both bureaus have historically hired men and women returning from service. Today, the two bureaus employ approximately 1,000 veterans. So far this year, more than 50 percent of the Mint’s and 28 percent of BEP’s new hires are veterans.

“The Mint and BEP have renewed their efforts and are working together to help support service members returning from their deployments overseas.” said Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios.

The joint veterans hiring initiative features outreach activities and resources to help veterans who are seeking federal employment. These efforts are aimed at providing information on the unique career opportunities at the U.S. Mint and BEP, as well as ways to navigate the federal hiring process. The two bureaus will engage with veterans at several military transition assistance program events and will develop materials to help veterans match their military experience with civilian careers and their associated job requirements.

In addition, the Mint and BEP have recently engaged with Operation Warfighter (OWF), a Department of Defense program that provides wounded, ill, and injured service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment that promotes wellness and offers a formal means of transition to the civilian workforce or return to military duty.

The Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

The BEP began manufacturing and printing United States currency notes trusted worldwide in 1862. In addition to U.S. currency notes, BEP produces many other security documents issued by the Federal Government.

New Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins

Pulaski — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:54:46 +0000

United States Mint Celebrates New Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins at the Birthplace of Our National Anthem

BALTIMORE – As a replica 15-star, 15-stripe flag gallantly waved above the ramparts of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (NM&HS) today, the United States Mint presented the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins to the Nation during a special ceremony. The coins commemorate the bicentennial of Francis Scott Key’s writing of our national anthem on the morning after the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

“The designs on these coins, whose sales will commence today, will help connect us to our national values, as they were embodied in the American flag that flew proudly atop Fort McHenry that morning, and which inspired the words of our national anthem,” said Daniel Shaver, Chief Counsel of the United States Mint.

Joining Shaver to celebrate the release of the new commemorative coins were U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Representatives C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes – co-sponsors of the legislation that created this commemorative coin program – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Fort McHenry NM&HS Superintendent Tina Orcutt. Following the ceremony, those in attendance were among the first in the Nation to purchase the coins, which became available today at the United States Mint’s Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

“The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins are a fitting tribute to Maryland’s vibrant people, stories and history,” said Governor O’Malley. “These coins are a great way to support the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 and become a part of this remarkable celebration.”

Authorized by Public Law 111-232, the “Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act,” the United States Mint is minting and issuing up to 100,000 gold $5 coins and 500,000 silver $1 coins in proof and uncirculated qualities. Surcharges collected from coin sales – $35 for each gold coin and $10 for each silver coin – are authorized to be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The commission will use these funds to support its bicentennial activities, educational outreach, and preservation and improvement of the sites and structures related to the War of 1812.

In addition to the United States Mint’s Web site, the public may order the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) or 1-888-321-MINT (6468), the bureau’s dedicated telephone line for hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment. All domestic orders include $4.95 for shipping and handling.

United States Mint Set to Release 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins on March 5

Pulaski — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:01:32 +0000

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins on March 5 at noon Eastern Time (ET). The bureau is authorized by Public Law 111-232, the “Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act,” to strike and issue up to 100,000 gold $5 coins and 500,000 silver $1 coins to commemorate the bicentennial of the writing of our national anthem. Design descriptions are available on the United States Mint Web site at http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=2012StarSpangled

The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins will be available in both proof and uncirculated qualities. Product options and their prices are as follows:

Product Code	OPTION	INTRODUCTORY PRICE	REGULAR PRICE
SS1	Proof $5 Gold Coin	**	**
SS2	Uncirculated $5 Gold Coin	**	**
SS3	Proof Silver Dollar	$49.95	$54.95
SS4	Uncirculated Silver Dollar	$44.95	$49.95
SS5	Two-Coin Set	**	**

*The introductory price period ends on April 5, 2012, at 5 pm (ET), at which time regular pricing takes effect.

**Pricing for the proof and uncirculated $5 gold coins and the two-coin set, which contains one proof gold coin and one proof silver dollar, will be based on the United States Mint’s pricing structure for numismatic commemorative products containing gold, located at http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/CommemGoldCoinGrid.pdf

Surcharges collected from sales of the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins – $35 for each gold coin and $10 for each silver coin – are authorized to be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The Commission will use these funds to support its bicentennial activities, educational outreach, and preservation and improvement of the sites and structures related to the War of 1812.

The United States Mint will accept orders at its Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling charge of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders to cover shipping and handling costs.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of March 5, 2012, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

Proposed Legislation Would End Presidential Dollar Coins

Pulaski — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:35:23 +0000

by Darrin Lee Unser on July 22, 2011

in Coin or Numismatic News, Presidential Dollar

The Presidential $1 Coin Program would not run its full course if several members of the Senate and House get their way. Two separate pieces of legislation have been introduced in the U.S. Congress which would ultimately end the dollar coins series dedicated to the former Presidents of the United States.

This new legislation comes in response to recent media attention to a reported $1 billion plus worth of dollar coins held in storage by Federal Reserve Banks. (Check out the PDF of the Annual Report to the Congress on the Presidential $1 Coin Program from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.) The massive stash of coins has been building up over the years with a marked increase occurring since the introduction of Presidential dollars four years ago.

Most attribute the inventory of dollar coins to two major factors. First, the public’s resistance to the use of dollar coins for everyday circulation. Second, requirements pertaining to the dollar coins placed on both the US Mint and the Reserve Banks.

When Congress created the legislation for the Presidential series in 2005, undoubtedly one of main reasons behind it was to win the public over to the idea that dollar coins could be used for daily commerce transactions. If it had occurred, it may have led to an easy transition from the $1 banknote which ends up costing significantly more to produce over the long-term in comparison to a coin. Currently, $1 banknotes have an expected life of 42 months according to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The United States Mint lists the life span of a coin at 25 years.

It is also not the first time Congress attempted to put dollar coins into meaningful circulation. In 1971, Eisenhower Dollars were first minted but proved unpopular with the public owing to their size. They were followed in 1979 by the Susan B. Anthony Dollar which also proved unpopular despite being much smaller. Finally, in 2000, the Sacagawea Dollar made its way to the public but never took traction when it came to commerce.

Then, in 2005, Congress passed the Presidential Coin Act of 2005. It sought to increase interest in the $1 coin by honoring the former Presidents of the United States on their obverse. The program debuted in 2007 and is scheduled to run through at least 2016 with four new dollar coins appearing per year honoring the Presidents in the order in which they served.

However, in passing that Act, Congress also placed certain demands on their production. For one, it initially required that at least 1/3 of the total number of dollar coins produced in a year still feature the Sacagawea design. (That percentage was later decreased to 20% of the total.) In addition, a mandatory introductory period was established which required Federal Reserve Banks to have sufficient supplies on hand of each of the new designs to insure broad public availability.

Together, the lack of interest in the coins and the mandated production and distribution meant that many more of the coins have been produced than are needed, which led to the build-up. However, if passed, the proposed legislation would remedy that problem.

H.R. 2593 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jackie Speier of California and is cosponsored by Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado. Entitled the Wasteful Presidential Coin Act of 2011, the proposed legislation would strike subsection (n) of Section 5112 of title 31 which authorized the Presidential $1 Coin Program. It would further limit the number of Sacagawea Coins produced by adding:

“no $1 coin may be minted or issued under this section during any period in which the number of $1 coins issued, but not in circulation, is more than 10 percent of the number of $1 coins in circulation” to Section 5112 of title 31.

A bill was also introduced in the United States Senate by Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana and cosponsored by Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. S. 1385 , entitled A bill to terminate the $1 presidential coin program, would strike subsection (n) and replace it with “(n) [Reserved].” (Read one collector’s perspective on this bill at Coin Collectors Blog.)

Either legislation, if it became law, would see the end of the Presidential $1 Coin in its entirety. In addition, it would likely also affect the associated First Spouse Gold Coin Program which are issued in conjunction with the Presidential dollars coins.

For proposed coin legislation to become law, it must pass in both chambers of Congress and win the signature of the President of the United States.

2010 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – Grand Canyon National Park

Pulaski — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:36:16 +0000

2010 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – Grand Canyon National Park

Enthralling landscapes and breathtaking views await visitors to Grand Canyon National Park. This unique coin will make the perfect addition to any collection. It is made of .999 fine silver and has a diameter of three inches. The coin’s expert craftsmanship captures the wondrous natural beauty of this unforgettable national park. The reverse features a spectacular view of the granaries above the Nankoweap Delta in Marble Canyon near the Colorado River. The obverse features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. Add this treasure to your collection by ordering today!

2011 September 11 National Medal

Pulaski — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:10:21 +0000

2011 September 11 National Medal

This beautiful proof silver medal commemorates the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The medal’s designs are emblematic of the courage, sacrifice and strength of those individuals who perished in the attacks, the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others that day, and the endurance, resilience and hope of those who survived. The obverse features Lady Liberty holding a Lamp of Remembrance with the inscriptions ALWAYS REMEMBER and 2001 – 2011. The reverse features an eagle against a background of cascading water with the inscriptions HONOR and HOPE. A $10 surcharge per medal is authorized to be paid to the non-profit National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Order today and continue the legacy of hope.

Yosemite 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin Available June 9

Pulaski — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:48:37 +0000

by Mike Unser on June 3, 2011

The United States Mint this week confirmed that it will make the Yosemite National Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin available on Thursday, June 9, 2011.

The three-inch diameter, .999 fine silver collector coin had been listed in the Mint’s June schedule for an expected release on the 9th, but its launch was set in stone and release details affirmed in a media statement the bureau issued Thursday.

The United States Mint will release up to 27,000 Yosemite silver coins beginning on June 9 at noon ET. Unless silver’s direction changes radically in the next few days, it will go on sale at $279.95.

“The 2010 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin — Yosemite National Park is currently priced at $279.95,” per the Mint’s media statement. “As with all products sold by the United States Mint containing precious metals, pricing is subject to change.”

Price and mintage levels remain the same as the first two issues in the series, the first Hot Springs National Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin and the second Yellowstone National Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin. Buyers eagerly sought out both of these coins as their sell outs occurred within weeks. Arkansas’s Hot Springs coin was made available on April 28 and sold out May 13. Wyoming’s Yellowstone coin was made available on May 17 and sold out on June 1.

Yosemite Coin Design

Designs for the Yosemite National Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin are the same as the five-ounce bullion version minted for investors (which sold out last year), and that of the circulating Yosemite National Park America the Beautiful Quarter.

The obverse features the familiar portrait of George Washington. The reverse, by Joseph Menna, depicts the scenery of El Capitan. Inscriptions include YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

As a collector piece, the Yosemite silver coin bears a Philadelphia “P” mint mark. The bullion version of the coin was minted in Philadelphia as well but does not have the denoting mint mark.

Five-ounce coins have an edge inscription of .999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE. Quarters have a reeded edge.

Order Details for Yosemite Uncirculated Coin

When available, the Yosemite National Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin may be purchased directly from the United States Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov or by calling its toll free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). There is a limit of one coin per household. A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be charged for all domestic orders.

The Yosemite uncirculated coin comes enclosed in a capsule to protect its finish. The capsule is placed within a protective outer box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Additional 2010-dated five-ounce coins will become available later this year. They include coins honoring Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon. Check out this site’s National Park Silver Coins page for information on each of the 2010 and 2011 five ounce issues.

2011 Proof American Platinum Eagle Coin Available

Pulaski — Sat, 28 May 2011 18:49:01 +0000

2011 Proof American Platinum Eagle Coin Available

by Rhonda Kay on May 27, 2011

in Coin or Numismatic News,New Coin Releases,US Mint News and Information

The 2011 Proof American Platinum Eagle Coin was released Thursday, May 26, for an opening price of $2,092.00. Now the question is, how long will it take for the United States Mint to sell all 15,000 of them, assuming it will indeed sell out.

The United States Mint released the 2011 Proof American Platinum Eagle on May 26 for an initial price of $2,092.00.

In 2009 and 2010, collectors jumped at their chance to get the newly designed coins, and each sold out in about a week. Of course back then the United States Mint launched them later in the year, struck fewer of them, and sold them for much less.

This year’s higher mintage of 15,000 should make the Platinum Eagle coin available longer. In 2009, only 8,000 were produced and in 2010, the United States Mint struck 10,000. The initial order limit of five (5) coins per household is the same this year as it was in those previous years.

Coin Specifications & Design

The one ounce proof coin contains 99.95% platinum, has a reeded edge, and display the West Point “W” mint mark on the reverse. What makes them different this year is the new design, emblematic of the theme, “To Insure Domestic Tranquility.”

Although 2011 represents the 14th year for the American Platinum Eagle, this year’s eagle is the third in a six-year series introduced in 2009 as the Preamble Series. The designs celebrate six core concepts of American democracy as described in the Preamble of the United States Constitution.

This image of the proof eagle and its packaging were included in a United States Mint promotion notice to customers announcing that the new coin was available.

The reverse of the 2011 Proof American Platinum Eagle features a harvest goddess emerging from a field of wheat, which symbolizes “the vastness of our Nation and its wide diversity of views.” She holds a stalk of wheat in her left hand as she extends her right hand to a dove, which is meant to represent “the fulfillment of tranquility in our Nation’s cohesive yet free society.” Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 oz., .9995 PLATINUM and $100. It was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

Also, the six-coin series features a privy mark on their reverses, which is from an original coin punch identified at the United States Mint at Philadelphia.

The obverse depicts the familiar forward facing portrait of Lady Liberty and is said to symbolize vigilance and faithfulness to duty. It was both designed and sculpted by John Mercanti.

Proof American Platinum Eagle Prices & Mintage Limits

At an initial price of $2,092.00, the highest the United States Mint has ever charged for a single platinum coin, the eagle will be more difficult to sell to collectors in this economy. The price is subject to change, since it is based on the fluctuating weekly average price of platinum per the London Fix set each Wednesday.

Below is a chart of a few specifics as related to the Preamble Series, including past coin prices:

Year	Launch Date	Mintage	Price	Reverse Design Theme
2009	December 3, 2009	8,000	$1,792	To Form a More Perfect Union
2010	August 12, 2010	10,000	$1,892	To Establish Justice
2011	May 26, 20111	15,000	$2,092	To Insure Domestic Tranquility
2012	?	?	?	To Provide for the Common Defense
2013	?	?	?	To Promote General Welfare
2014	?	?	?	To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity

Order Information

The 2011 Proof American Platinum Eagles may be purchased directly from the United States Mint at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or directly here, and by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may place their orders by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

2010 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – Yellowstone National Park

Pulaski — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:42:59 +0000

Product Notification

SOLD OUT

2010 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin^™ – Yellowstone National Park

Pack your bags for an unforgettable road trip to one of the most awe-inspiring sites in our Nation! This three-inch, five-ounce coin’s obverse features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. The reverse features the captivating Old Faithful geyser with a bison in the foreground. The coin has an uncirculated finish and a “P” mint mark for the United States Mint at Philadelphia, where it is struck. Only 27,000 coins will be minted, and a limit of one coin per household is in effect for at least the first week. Add this stunning coin to your collection today!